'Traumatised' baby wallaby dies after being chased by teenagers

A baby wallaby has died after it was "traumatised" by a group of teenagers at a farm park.

Management officials at Dalscone Farm Fun in Dumfries said five boys chased the park's three wallabies around their enclosure on Saturday evening.

Two of the animals escaped the enclosure but the third, a baby named Mick, was so shaken it died on Sunday evening.

He was treated by a vet but did not survive, the park said.

It was said the group of boys had been "causing havoc" at a nearby garden centre before chasing the wallabies.

Police Scotland have been informed and officers visited the farm on Monday morning.

A statement on the Dalscone Farm Fun Facebook page said: "They let two of them out of their enclosure and the third was so traumatised it died on Sunday evening.

"Does anyone know who they are? They had been causing havoc at Heathhall garden centre before heading here.

"It all happened between 5.50pm and 6.50pm. Any information would be greatly appreciated, please call 101 to let police know any potential leads.

"Thanks to Alistair from Nithsdale vets for all his hard work to try and save Mick our baby wallaby."

The park has an indoor play centre and collection of animals including llamas, donkeys and ponies.

The outdoor farm park was due to open in April.

Farm equipment was also damaged during the incident and a number of other animals let out of enclosures, police said.

Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and issued an appeal for anyone who recognises the group of five, thought to be aged between 15 and 17.

Three were wearing dark clothing while one had a grey top with black sleeves, grey trousers and was wearing a dark woolly hat, and another suspect was wearing a dark puffa jacket, a light coloured hoodie and dark trousers.

Constable Kennedy Anderson: "We understand this incident has caused considerable distress to the local community and we are keen to trace those responsible.

"We are following a positive line of enquiry however I would ask anyone who has any information or who may be able to help us identify these individuals to call police at Dumfries on 101."